Segmentation of PWS-Message and Associated Area-Information

ABSTRACT

A network node obtains ( 302 ) a message to be transmitted as a public warning system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more SIBs, and obtains ( 304 ) area information corresponding to the message. The area information indicates an area for which the message is relevant. The network node determines ( 306 ) how many SIBs are needed for transmitting the area information and segments ( 308 ) the message into a plurality of segments, based on how many SIBs are needed for transmitting the area information. The network node transmits ( 310 ) the message and the area information via SIBs, such that a segment of the message is included in each SIB and such that each portion of the area information included in a SIB is accompanied by a segment of the message. A UE receives the SIBs and assembles the message and area information, displaying the message if it is relevant.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of wirelessnetwork communications, and, more particularly, to mobile alert systems.

BACKGROUND

In Long Term Evolution (LTE), there is a feature for providing PublicWarning System (PWS) notifications to user equipments (UEs) that can beused to provide warning messages to users. For example, if there is anearthquake, the network can indicate this to the UEs by broadcasting PWSmessages. This is expected to be introduced for New Radio (NR) as well.

The PWS messages for the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS)are broadcast in SystemInformationBlockType10 (ETWS primarynotification) or SystemInformationBlockType11 (ETWS secondarynotification), and PWS-messages for the Commercial Mobile Alert System(CMAS) are broadcast in SystemInformationBlockType12. These systeminformation block types are defined in the LTE Radio Resource Control(RRC) specification 3GPP TS 36.331. It should be noted that other typesof Public Warning Systems include European Union (EU) Alert and KoreanPublic Alert System (KPAS).

If an ETWS secondary notification message or a CMAS notification messageis large, the message can be divided into several segments and thesegments are sent sequentially to the UE. There can be at most 64segments, per the specifications for LTE, and the base station (e.g.,eNB) indicates the number of each segment. Further, the eNB can indicatewhether a certain segment is the last segment or not. When the UE hasacquired all segments of a message, the RRC-layer in the UE reassemblesall segments and forwards them to upper layers, to be presented to theuser. Segmentation is not supported for the ETWS primary notificationmessage, because it is a small message that is intended to be receivedby the UEs within a very limited time frame.

It is possible to send multiple PWS messages by sending themsequentially. So, if a first and a second message is to be sent to theUE, the eNB would first send all segments of the first message and thensend all the segments of the second message. Each message can be sentperiodically. Each message is further associated with a messageidentifier and a serial number.

Some PWS notifications may only be applicable for certain areas, such asan area close to a mall. To ensure that only users that are within thearea are getting these notifications, the PWS notifications may have anassociated area indication. This may, for example, be implemented byonly providing the PWS notification in only one, or some, cells. As analternative, the PWS notification can be included in an RRC message withan indication of the applicable area. The UE, upon receiving the PWSnotification, determines whether it is inside or outside the area. Ifthe UE is inside the area, the UE would then display the indication tothe user. Otherwise, the UE will not display the indication.

In LTE and NR, system information is sent in so-called SystemInformation Blocks (SIBs). In LTE, the physical layer imposes a limit tothe maximum size of an SIB. When downlink control information (DCI)format 1C is used, the maximum allowed by the physical layer is 1736bits (217 bytes) while for format 1A the limit is 2216 bits (277 bytes)(TS 36.212 and TS 36.213). For bandwidth-reduced low-complexity (BL) UEsand UEs in enhanced coverage (CE), the maximum SIB and systeminformation message size is 936 bits (TS 36.213). For narrowbandInternet-of-Things (NB-IoT), the maximum SIB and system information sizeis 680 bits (TS 36.213).

In LTE systems, CMAS PWS messages are sent inSystemInformationBlockType12. SystemInformationBlockType12 has amandatory present field carrying a segment of, or the complete, PWSmessage. This means that the network must send at least a segment of aPWS message each time it sends SystemInformationBlockType12.

A legacy UE that receives, for example, a SystemInformationBlockType12must be able to successfully decode the message. The correspondingrequirement applies for SystemInformationBlockType11 (for ETWS secondarynotification) and for SystemInformationBlockType10 (for ETWS primarynotification). The latter however always includes the full message (ETWSprimary notification) in a single SystemInformationBlockType10.

SUMMARY

Area information for public warning system (PWS) messages may be largewhen providing information for complex area structures. To be able tosend this information for complex area structures, the PWS messages mayneed to be segmented into smaller parts, in order to fit in atransmission of a SIB. In some cases, the PWS message may be small andthus can be sent in a small number of segments, while the associatedarea information is large and thus requires a larger number of segmentsin order to transmit them. The embodiments described herein enable anetwork node to account for the sizes of both the PWS message and areainformation when transmitting the PWS message and area information viasystem information. The PWS messages and their associated areainformation can be segmented such that they can be sent to UEs via thesystem information.

In a first example, the network may segment area information for a PWSmessage such that the number of segments for the PWS message is at leastas large as the number of segments of the area information. In anotherexample, the network may extend the PWS message such that it can besegmented into at least as many segments as needed for the areainformation. In a third example, the network may send the PWS message ina first SIB and send the associated area information in a second SIB.The UE receiving the PWS message can receive and assemble the segmentsfor the PWS message in the SIBs and then display the PWS message to theuser if the UE determines from the area information that the PWS messageis relevant to the user.

According to some embodiments, method, in at least one network node of awireless communication system serving a plurality of UEs, includesobtaining a message to be transmitted as a public warning systemnotification to multiple UEs, via one or more SIBs. The method alsoincludes obtaining area information corresponding to the message, thearea information indicating an area for which the message is relevantand determining how many SIBs are needed for transmitting the areainformation. The method further includes segmenting the message into aplurality of segments, based on how many SIBs are needed fortransmitting the area information and transmitting the message and thearea information via SIBs, such that no more than one segment of themessage is included in any of the transmitted SIBs and such that eachportion of the area information included in a transmitted SIB isaccompanied by a segment of the message.

According to some embodiments, a method, in at least one network node ofa wireless communication system serving a plurality of UEs, includesobtaining a message to be transmitted as a public warning systemnotification to multiple UEs, via one or more SIBs, and obtaining areainformation corresponding to the message, where the area informationindicates an area for which the message is relevant. The method furtherincludes transmitting at least some of the message via a first SIB andtransmitting at least some of the area information via a second SIB,such that the second SIB contains linking information indicating thatthe included area information corresponds to the message sent via thefirst SIB.

According to some embodiments, a method, in a UE served by a wirelesscommunication network, includes receiving a plurality of SIBs. Themethod includes obtaining, from each of the SIBs, a portion of areainformation indicating an area for which a public warning systemnotification is relevant, and obtaining, from each of these same SIBs, asegment of a message. The method also includes assembling areainformation from the portions of area information and assembling themessage from at least the corresponding segments of the message. Themethod further includes determining, based on the area information, thatthe message is relevant to the UE and displaying the message, inresponse to the determining.

According to some embodiments, a method, in a UE served by a wirelesscommunication network, includes receiving at least a portion of a publicwarning system notification message via a first SIB and receiving atleast a portion of area information via a second SIB. The method furtherincludes determining, based on linking information included in thesecond SIB, that the area information included in the second SIBcorresponds to the message received via the first SIB and determining,based on the area information, that the message is relevant to the UE.The method further includes displaying the message, in response to thedetermining.

Further aspects of the present invention are directed to an apparatus,network node, base station, wireless device, UE, computer programproducts or computer readable storage medium corresponding to themethods summarized above and functional implementations of theabove-summarized apparatus and UE.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above featuresand advantages. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizeadditional features and advantages upon reading the following detaileddescription, and upon viewing the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network node that sends a PWS messageand area information to UEs in multiple segments, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a network node, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a method at the network node,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a network node sending a PWSmessage and area information to UEs in multiple segments, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of another method at the network node,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates is a block diagram of a UE, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a method at the UE, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of another method at the UE, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a telecommunication network connectedvia an intermediate network to a host computer, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 10 is a generalized block diagram of a host computer communicatingvia a base station with a user equipment over a partially wirelessconnection, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 11 to 14 are flowcharts illustrating example methods implementedin a communication system including a host computer, a base station anda user equipment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a functional implementation of anetwork node, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a functional implementation of aUE, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be describedmore fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich examples of embodiments of inventive concepts are shown. Inventiveconcepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of present inventiveconcepts to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that theseembodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodimentcan be tacitly assumed to be present/used in another embodiment. Any twoor more embodiments described in this document may be combined with eachother. The described embodiments are not limited to LTE or NR and can beadapted in other radio access technologies (RATs), such as in UTRA,LTE-Advanced, 5G, NX, NB-IoT, Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH technologies, or in anysubsequent systems by which PWS messages are provided.

With regards to the terms “system information block” and “SIB” as usedherein, it should be understood that “a system information block” or “aSIB” refers to a single structured transmission of system information,labeled as “system information block” or “SIB,” or the like. Accordingto the techniques described herein, information from multiple ones ofthese transmissions may be combined to form a complete message, such asa PWS message. These multiple transmissions are referred to herein aSIBs or system information blocks (i.e., in the plural form). Thus, asused herein, “a system information block” and “a SIB” should not beunderstood to refer to the aggregation of information from multiple SIBtransmissions.

FIG. 1 illustrates, according to some embodiments, a network node (e.g.,eNB, gNB) 110 in a wireless communication network 100 that serves aplurality of UEs 102/104/106. Network node 110 obtains a PWS message 120that is to be delivered to devices in the area. In this example, PWSmessage 120 is a notification about an earthquake. Network node 110 alsoobtains associated area information, indicating an area for which themessage is relevant. In this example, the area involves certain parts ofa metropolitan area and some rural areas, and the area information israther complex and the size of the area information is larger thannormal. Network node 110 determines how many SIBs will be needed forsending the area information, which in this case, will be multiple SIBs.Network node 110 then segments PWS message 120 into a number ofsegments, based on how many SIBs are needed for transmitting the areainformation.

In some scenarios, such as in this scenario, there is a minimum size ofa segment of a PWS message, such as one byte. If the area information islarge, the number of portions or segments of the area information may belarge (e.g., 32 segments). If the size of the PWS message is smallerthan 32 bytes, it would not be possible to segment the PWS message andthe area information such that the number of segments for the PWSmessage N_(m) is equal to or larger than the number of segments for thearea information N_(a).

Returning to the example in FIG. 1, network node 110 then transmits PWSmessage 120 segments in multiple SIBs. In the embodiment, shown by FIG.1, multiple SIBs 122/124/126 each include an area information portionthat is accompanied by a segment of PWS message 120. This ensures thatthe network can transmit a PWS message segment when it sends each areainformation segment.

UEs 102/104/106 receive the SIBs 122/124/126 and assemble the areainformation from the area information portions and the PWS message 120from the message segments. Each of UEs 102/104/106, determine, from thearea information, whether PWS message 120 is relevant to the UE. Forexample, UEs 102 and 104 determine, from the complex area information,that PWS message 120 is relevant to the user and display the earthquakenotification with any accompanying information that is included in PWSmessage 120. On the other hand, UE 106 determines that PWS message 120is not relevant and does not display the earthquake notification to theuser.

Accordingly, FIG. 2 shows a network node 30, which may be configured tocarry out one or more of these disclosed techniques. Network node 30 maybe an evolved Node B (eNodeB), Node B or gNB. While a network node 30 isshown in FIG. 2, the operations can be performed by other kinds ofnetwork access nodes, including a radio network node such as basestation, radio base station, base transceiver station, base stationcontroller, network controller, NR BS, Multi-cell/multicast CoordinationEntity (MCE), relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote RadioUnit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), or a multi-standard BS (MSR BS).Network node 30 may also, in some cases, be a core network node (e.g.,MME, SON node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.),or even an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to thecurrent network), etc. Network node 30 may also comprise test equipment.

In the non-limiting embodiments described below, network node 30 will bedescribed as being configured to operate as a cellular network accessnode in an LTE network or NR network. In some embodiments, the techniquecan be implemented in the RRC layer. The RRC layer could be implementedby one or more network nodes in a cloud environment and hence someembodiments can be implemented in a cloud environment.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate how each type of nodemay be adapted to carry out one or more of the methods and signalingprocesses described herein, e.g., through the modification of and/oraddition of appropriate program instructions for execution by processingcircuits 32.

Network node 30 facilitates communication between wireless terminals(e.g., UEs), other network access nodes and/or the core network. Networknode 30 may include communication interface circuitry 38 that includescircuitry for communicating with other nodes in the core network, radionodes, and/or other types of nodes in the network for the purposes ofproviding data and/or cellular communication services. Network node 30communicates with wireless devices using antennas 34 and transceivercircuitry 36. Transceiver circuitry 36 may include transmitter circuits,receiver circuits, and associated control circuits that are collectivelyconfigured to transmit and receive signals according to a radio accesstechnology, for the purposes of providing cellular communicationservices.

Network node 30 also includes one or more processing circuits 32 thatare operatively associated with the transceiver circuitry 36 and, insome cases, the communication interface circuitry 38. Processingcircuitry 32 comprises one or more digital processors 42, e.g., one ormore microprocessors, microcontrollers, Digital Signal Processors(DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Complex ProgrammableLogic Devices (CPLDs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),or any mix thereof. More generally, processing circuitry 32 may comprisefixed circuitry, or programmable circuitry that is specially configuredvia the execution of program instructions implementing the functionalitytaught herein, or some mix of fixed and programmed circuitry. Processor42 may be multi-core, i.e., having two or more processor cores utilizedfor enhanced performance, reduced power consumption, and more efficientsimultaneous processing of multiple tasks.

Processing circuitry 32 also includes a memory 44. Memory 44, in someembodiments, stores one or more computer programs 46 and, optionally,configuration data 48. Memory 44 provides non-transitory storage for thecomputer program 46 and it may comprise one or more types ofcomputer-readable media, such as disk storage, solid-state memorystorage, or any mix thereof. Here, “non-transitory” means permanent,semi-permanent, or at least temporarily persistent storage andencompasses both long-term storage in non-volatile memory and storage inworking memory, e.g., for program execution. By way of non-limitingexample, memory 44 comprises any one or more of SRAM, DRAM, EEPROM, and

FLASH memory, which may be in processing circuitry 32 and/or separatefrom processing circuitry 32. Memory 44 may also store any configurationdata 48 used by the network access node 30. Processing circuitry 32 maybe configured, e.g., through the use of appropriate program code storedin memory 44, to carry out one or more of the methods and/or signalingprocesses detailed hereinafter.

Processing circuitry 32 of the network node 30 is configured, accordingto some embodiments, to perform the techniques described herein for oneor more network nodes of a wireless communication system serving aplurality of UEs, such as for network node 110 illustrated in FIG. 1.Processing circuitry 32 is configured to obtain a message to betransmitted as a public warning system notification to multiple UEs, viaone or more SIBs, and obtain area information corresponding to themessage. The area information indicates an area for which the message isrelevant. Processing circuitry 32 is also configured to determine howmany SIBs are needed for transmitting the area information and segmentthe message into a plurality of segments, based on how many SIBs areneeded for transmitting the area information. Processing circuitry 52 isconfigured to transmit, via transceiver circuitry 56, the message andthe area information via SIBs, such that a segment of the message isincluded in each SIB and such that each portion of the area informationincluded in a SIB is accompanied by a segment of the message.

The processing circuitry 32 is also configured to perform a method 300,shown in FIG. 3. Method 300 includes obtaining a message to betransmitted as a public warning system notification to multiple UEs, viaone or more SIBs (block 302), and obtaining area informationcorresponding to the message, the area information indicating an areafor which the message is relevant (block 304). Method 300 also includesdetermining how many SIBs are needed for transmitting the areainformation (block 306) and segmenting the message into a plurality ofsegments, based on how many SIBs are needed for transmitting the areainformation (block 308). Method 300 further includes transmitting themessage and the area information via SIBs, such that a segment of themessage is included in each SIB and such that each portion of the areainformation included in a SIB is accompanied by a segment of the message(block 310).

In some embodiments, segmenting the message includes dividing themessage into at least N segments, where N is the number of SIBs neededfor transmitting the area information. Segmenting the message mayinclude dividing the message into exactly N segments.

In another example, the network determines that PWS message 120 cannotbe segmented such that N_(m) is at least as large as N_(a). The networkmay then extend/add padding to PWS message 120 such that the (extended)PWS message 120 can be segmented into a number N_(m) which can be equalto or larger than N_(a). The padding may be added into the actualmessage and network node 110 may need to understand the content and/orstructure of the message. Alternatively, the padding could be added to acontainer which contains the PWS message, for example by adding paddingto the ASN.1 coding which is used by the RRC protocol to transport themessage.

Therefore, in some embodiments, segmenting the message includesdetermining that the message, without modification, cannot be dividedinto enough segments so that each portion of the area informationincluded in a system information is accompanied by a segment, andextending the message, prior to the segmenting, so that the extendedmessage can be divided into enough segments so that each portion of thearea information included in a system information is accompanied by asegment. The message may be a container carrying notificationinformation coded into the container. The container may be an ASN-1container.

The SIBs may be LTE SystemInformationBlockType11 blocks or LTESystemInformationBlockType12 blocks.

In a third example, illustrated by FIG. 4, PWS message 420 is signaledin a first SIB 422, while the associated area information is signaled ina second SIB 424. First SIB 422 can be, for example, SIB12, containing aCMAS type of warning, which is already defined in LTE. Second SIB 424can be a new SIB which is defined to contain area information associatedwith messages sent in SIB12.

UEs 102/104/106 would acquire first and second SIBs 422/424 anddetermine whether, for a PWS message in first SIB 422, there isassociated area information in second SIB 424. This may be determinedbased on an identifier (or set of identifiers) that the network wouldsend in first and second SIBs 422/424 so that PWS messages and areainformation can be linked together.

Accordingly, processing circuitry 32 may be configured to perform suchtechniques. Processing circuitry 32, according to some embodiments, isthus configured to obtain a message to be transmitted as a publicwarning system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more SIBs, andobtain area information corresponding to the message, the areainformation indicating an area for which the message is relevant.Processing circuitry 32 is also configured to transmit at least some ofthe message via a first SIB and transmit at least some of the areainformation via a second SIB, such that the second SIB contains linkinginformation indicating that the included area information corresponds tothe message sent via the first SIB.

Processing circuitry 32 may also be configured to perform acorresponding method 500, shown in FIG. 5. Method 500 includes obtaininga message to be transmitted as a public warning system notification tomultiple UEs, via one or more SIBs (block 502) and obtaining areainformation corresponding to the message, the area informationindicating an area for which the message is relevant (block 504).Processing circuitry 32 is also configured to transmit at least some ofthe message via a first SIB and transmit at least some of the areainformation via a second SIB, such that the second SIB contains linkinginformation indicating that the included area information corresponds tothe message sent via the first SIB.

The linking information may include a message identifier or a serialnumber, or both, corresponding to an identical identifier or serialnumber, or both, in the first SIB. The first SIB may be aSystemInformationBlockType12 and the second SIB may be a different type.In some embodiments, transmitting at least some of the area informationvia the second SIB includes including, in the second SIB, an indicationof a type for the first SIB.

In the currently defined SIB12, where PWS messages can be sent, there isa “messageIdentifier” and “serialNumber”. In some embodiments, thenetwork sends similar fields in the SIB carrying the area-information.Below is the existing SIB12 in LTE with candidate fields for theidentifier shown in bold.

SystemInformationBlockType12-r9 ::= SEQUENCE {    messageIdentifier-r9 BIT STRING (SIZE (16)),    serialNumber-r9  BIT STRING (SIZE (16)),   warningMessageSegmentType-r9  ENUMERATED {notLastSegment,lastSegment},    warningMessageSegmentNumber-r9  INTEGER (0..63),   warningMessageSegment-r9  OCTET STRING,    dataCodingScheme-r9  OCTETSTRING (SIZE (1))          OPTIONAL, -- Cond Segment 1   lateNonCriticalExtension  OCTET STRING       . . .  OPTIONAL, }

Shown below is a proposed new SIB (SIBX), which provides the areainformation. The text in bold shows candidate fields for theidentifiers. The network (e.g. eNB) may send a PWS-message in SIB12 andthe associated area information in SIBX. When sending the areainformation for a message A, the messageIdentifier and/or serialNumberfields may be set for the area information to the same as these fieldsare set when sending the associated PWS message in SIB12.

SystemInformationBlockTypeX-r15 ::= SEQUENCE {    messageIdentifier-r9 BIT STRING (SIZE (16)),    serialNumber-r9  BIT STRING (SIZE (16)),   warningAreaCoordinates-r15  WarningAreaCoordinates- r15   lateNonCriticalExtension  OCTET STRING OPTIONAL,    . . . }

As an alternative, a separate identity can be added to the SIBcontaining the warning message and then included in the new SIB with thearea information, in order to link the different warning messages withthe corresponding area information. Since the number of differentwarning messages that can be transmitted in parallel is significantlysmaller than what can be identified with 32 bits (16+16), the identitythat needs to be included in the area information message can then besignificantly smaller. This would leave more space in the new SIB(“SIBX”) for actual area-information.

In order to support area information for the different types of PWSwarning messages (ETWS primary notification, ETWS secondary notificationand CMAS notification) with a single SIB (“SIBX”), an additionalindication could be included in the SIBX to identify what type of PWSwarning message the area information SIB is related to. For example, inLTE where the PWS warning messages are transmitted through SIB10, SIB11and SIB12, the indication in the new SIB could identify whether it isrelated to a SIB10 (ETWS primary notification), a SIB11 (ETWS secondarynotification) or a SIB12 (CMAS notification).

As an alternative solution to supporting SIBs with area information thatcan be related to the different types of warning messages (e.g., SIB10,SIB11 and SIB12 in LTE), the identities that are included in both theSIB with the warning message and in the SIB with the area information(to link the information) can be coordinated between the warning messageSIBs (e.g., SIB10-SIB12). The network should then coordinate the usedidentities in the warning message SIBs so that each identity is onlyused in one of the warning message SIBs at each point in time.

An example embodiment of one of the corresponding UEs that receive theSIBs will now be described. FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of a UE 50configured to carry out one or more of the disclosed techniques,according to some embodiments. UE 50 may be considered to represent anywireless devices or terminals that may operate in a network, such as aUE in a cellular network. Other examples may include a communicationdevice, target device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UEcapable of machine to machine communication (M2M), a sensor equippedwith UE, PDA (personal digital assistant), tablet, IPAD tablet, mobileterminal, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mountedequipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), etc.

UE 50 is configured to communicate with a network node or base stationin a wide-area cellular network via antennas 54 and transceivercircuitry 56. Transceiver circuitry 56 may include transmitter circuits,receiver circuits, and associated control circuits that are collectivelyconfigured to transmit and receive signals according to a radio accesstechnology, for the purposes of using cellular communication services.This radio access technologies can be NR and LTE for the purposes ofthis discussion.

UE 50 also includes one or more processing circuits 52 that areoperatively associated with the radio transceiver circuitry 56.Processing circuitry 52 comprises one or more digital processingcircuits, e.g., one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSPs,FPGAs, CPLDs, ASICs, or any mix thereof. More generally, processingcircuitry 52 may comprise fixed circuitry, or programmable circuitrythat is specially adapted via the execution of program instructionsimplementing the functionality taught herein, or may comprise some mixof fixed and programmed circuitry. Processing circuitry 52 may bemulti-core.

Processing circuitry 52 also includes a memory 64. Memory 64, in someembodiments, stores one or more computer programs 66 and, optionally,configuration data 68. Memory 64 provides non-transitory storage forcomputer program 66 and it may comprise one or more types ofcomputer-readable media, such as disk storage, solid-state memorystorage, or any mix thereof. By way of non-limiting example, memory 64comprises any one or more of SRAM, DRAM, EEPROM, and FLASH memory, whichmay be in processing circuitry 52 and/or separate from processingcircuitry 52. Memory 64 may also store any configuration data 68 used byUE 50. Processing circuitry 52 may be configured, e.g., through the useof appropriate program code stored in memory 64, to carry out one ormore of the methods and/or signaling processes detailed hereinafter.

Processing circuitry 52 of the UE 50 is configured, according to someembodiments, to perform the technique for a UE served by the network,such as for UE 102 shown in FIG. 1. Processing circuitry 52 isconfigured to receive a plurality of SIBs, obtain, from each of theSIBs, a portion of area information indicating an area for which apublic warning system notification is relevant, and obtain, from each ofthese same SIBs, a single segment of a message. Processing circuitry 52is also configured to assemble area information from the portions ofarea information and assemble the message from at least thecorresponding segments of the message. Processing circuitry 52 isfurther configured to determine, based on the area information, that themessage is relevant to the UE, and display the message, in response tothe determining.

Processing circuitry 52 may be configured to perform a correspondingmethod 700, shown in FIG. 7. Method 700 includes receiving a pluralityof SIBs (block 702), obtaining, from each of the SIBs, a portion of areainformation indicating an area for which a public warning systemnotification is relevant (block 704) and obtaining, from each of thesesame SIBs, a single segment of a message (block 706). Method 700 furtherincludes assembling area information from the portions of areainformation (block 708) and assembling the message from at least thecorresponding segments of the message (block 710). Method 700 thenincludes determining, based on the area information, that the message isrelevant to the UE (block 712) and displaying the message, in responseto the determining (block 714).

In some embodiments, assembling the message includes assembling themessage from the portions of the message included in the plurality ofSIBs and at least one message portion included in an additional SIB. TheSIBs may be LTE SystemInformationBlockType11 blocks or LTESystemInformationBlockType12 blocks.

In other embodiments, processing circuitry 52 is configured to performthe technique described for UE 102 in FIG. 4. Processing circuitry 52 isconfigured to receive at least a portion of a public warning systemnotification message via a first SIB and receive at least a portion ofarea information via a second SIB. Processing circuitry 52 is alsoconfigured to determine, based on linking information included in thesecond SIB, that the area information included in the second SIBcorresponds to the message received via the first SIB, and determine,based on the area information, that the message is relevant to the UE.Processing circuitry 52 is configured to then display the message, inresponse to the determining.

Processing circuitry 52 may be configured to perform a correspondingmethod 800, shown in FIG. 8. Method 800 includes receiving at least aportion of a public warning system notification message via a first SIB(block 802) and receiving at least a portion of area information via asecond SIB (block 804). Method 800 further includes determining, basedon linking information included in the second SIB, that the areainformation included in the second SIB corresponds to the messagereceived via the first SIB (block 806), and determining, based on thearea information, that the message is relevant to the UE (block 808).Method 800 then includes displaying the message, in response to thedetermining (block 810).

The linking information may include a message identifier or a serialnumber, or both, corresponding to an identical identifier or serialnumber, or both, in the first SIB. The first SIB may be aSystemInformationBlockType12 and the second SIB may be a different type.The linking information may include an indication of a type for thefirst SIB.

FIG. 9, according to some embodiments, illustrates a communicationsystem that includes a telecommunication network 910, such as a3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises an access network 911, suchas a radio access network, and a core network 914. The access network911 comprises a plurality of base stations 912 a, 912 b, 912 c, such asNBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defininga corresponding coverage area 913 a, 913 b, 913 c. Each base station 912a, 912 b, 912 c is connectable to the core network 914 over a wired orwireless connection 915. A first UE 991 located in coverage area 913 cis configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, thecorresponding base station 912 c. A second UE 992 in coverage area 913 ais wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 912 a. Whilea plurality of UEs 991, 992 are illustrated in this example, thedisclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a soleUE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to thecorresponding base station 912.

The telecommunication network 910 is itself connected to a host computer930, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of astandalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server oras processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 930 may beunder the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operatedby the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. Theconnections 921, 922 between the telecommunication network 910 and thehost computer 930 may extend directly from the core network 99 to thehost computer 930 or may go via an optional intermediate network 920.The intermediate network 920 may be one of, or a combination of morethan one of, a public, private or hosted network; the intermediatenetwork 920, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet; inparticular, the intermediate network 920 may comprise two or moresub-networks (not shown).

The communication system of FIG. 9 as a whole enables connectivitybetween one of the connected UEs 991, 992 and the host computer 930. Theconnectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 950.The host computer 930 and the connected UEs 991, 992 are configured tocommunicate data and/or signaling via the OTT connection 950, using theaccess network 911, the core network 99, any intermediate network 920and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. TheOTT connection 950 may be transparent in the sense that theparticipating communication devices through which the OTT connection 950passes are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. Forexample, a base station 912 may not or need not be informed about thepast routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originatingfrom a host computer 930 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to aconnected UE 991. Similarly, the base station 912 need not be aware ofthe future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating fromthe UE 991 towards the host computer 930.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE,base station and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphswill now be described with reference to FIG. 10. In a communicationsystem 1000, a host computer 1010 comprises hardware 1015 including acommunication interface 1016 configured to set up and maintain a wiredor wireless connection with an interface of a different communicationdevice of the communication system 1000. The host computer 1010 furthercomprises processing circuitry 1018, which may have storage and/orprocessing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuitry 1018may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specificintegrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations ofthese (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The host computer1010 further comprises software 1011, which is stored in or accessibleby the host computer 1010 and executable by the processing circuitry1018. The software 1011 includes a host application 1012. The hostapplication 1012 may be operable to provide a service to a remote user,such as a UE 1030 connecting via an OTT connection 1050 terminating atthe UE 1030 and the host computer 1010. In providing the service to theremote user, the host application 1012 may provide user data which istransmitted using the OTT connection 1050.

The communication system 1000 further includes a base station 1020provided in a telecommunication system and comprising hardware 1025enabling it to communicate with the host computer 1010 and with the UE1030. The hardware 1025 may include a communication interface 1026 forsetting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with aninterface of a different communication device of the communicationsystem 1000, as well as a radio interface 1027 for setting up andmaintaining at least a wireless connection 1070 with a UE 1030 locatedin a coverage area (not shown in FIG. 10) served by the base station1020. The communication interface 1026 may be configured to facilitate aconnection 1060 to the host computer 1010. The connection 1060 may bedirect or it may pass through a core network (not shown in FIG. 10) ofthe telecommunication system and/or through one or more intermediatenetworks outside the telecommunication system. In the embodiment shown,the hardware 1025 of the base station 1020 further includes processingcircuitry 1028, which may comprise one or more programmable processors,application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arraysor combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions.The base station 1020 further has software 1021 stored internally oraccessible via an external connection.

The communication system 1000 further includes the UE 1030 alreadyreferred to. Its hardware 1035 may include a radio interface 1037configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 1070 with a basestation serving a coverage area in which the UE 1030 is currentlylocated. The hardware 1035 of the UE 1030 further includes processingcircuitry 1038, which may comprise one or more programmable processors,application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arraysor combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions.The UE 1030 further comprises software 1031, which is stored in oraccessible by the UE 1030 and executable by the processing circuitry1038. The software 1031 includes a client application 1032. The clientapplication 1032 may be operable to provide a service to a human ornon-human user via the UE 1030, with the support of the host computer1010. In the host computer 1010, an executing host application 1012 maycommunicate with the executing client application 1032 via the OTTconnection 1050 terminating at the UE 1030 and the host computer 1010.In providing the service to the user, the client application 1032 mayreceive request data from the host application 1012 and provide userdata in response to the request data. The OTT connection 1050 maytransfer both the request data and the user data. The client application1032 may interact with the user to generate the user data that itprovides.

It is noted that the host computer 1010, base station 1020 and UE 1030illustrated in FIG. 10 may be identical to the host computer 930, one ofthe base stations 912 a, 912 b, 912 c and one of the UEs 991, 992 ofFIG. 9, respectively. This is to say, the inner workings of theseentities may be as shown in FIG. 10 and independently, the surroundingnetwork topology may be that of FIG. 9.

In FIG. 10, the OTT connection 1050 has been drawn abstractly toillustrate the communication between the host computer 1010 and the useequipment 1030 via the base station 1020, without explicit reference toany intermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via thesedevices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it maybe configured to hide from the UE 1030 or from the service provideroperating the host computer 1010, or both. While the OTT connection 1050is active, the network infrastructure may further take decisions bywhich it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of loadbalancing consideration or reconfiguration of the network).

The wireless connection 1070 between the UE 1030 and the base station1020 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments describedthroughout this disclosure, such as provided by nodes such as UE 50 andnetwork node 30, along with the corresponding methods 300, 500, 700 and800. The embodiments described herein enable a network node to accountfor the sizes of the PWS message and area information when transmittingthe PWS message and area information via system information. The PWSmessages and their associated area information can be segmented suchthat they can be sent to UEs via the system information. The teachingsof these embodiments may improve the data rate, capacity, latency and/orpower consumption for the network and UE 1030 using the OTT connection1050 for emergency warning systems and thereby provide benefits such asmore efficient and targeted emergency messaging that saves on networkand UE resources while improving the ability of users to take safeaction.

A measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoringdata rate, latency and other factors on which the one or moreembodiments improve. There may further be an optional networkfunctionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1050 between the hostcomputer 1010 and UE 1030, in response to variations in the measurementresults. The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality forreconfiguring the OTT connection 1050 may be implemented in the software1011 of the host computer 1010 or in the software 1031 of the UE 1030,or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or inassociation with communication devices through which the OTT connection1050 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedure bysupplying values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, orsupplying values of other physical quantities from which software 1011,1031 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguringof the OTT connection 1050 may include message format, retransmissionsettings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect thebase station 1020, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the basestation 1020. Such procedures and functionalities may be known andpracticed in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involveproprietary UE signaling facilitating the host computer's 1010measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. Themeasurements may be implemented in that the software 1011, 1031 causesmessages to be transmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages,using the OTT connection 1050 while it monitors propagation times,errors etc.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in acommunication system, in accordance with one embodiment. Thecommunication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UEwhich may be those described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Forsimplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 11will be included in this section. In a first step 1110 of the method,the host computer provides user data. In an optional substep 1111 of thefirst step 1110, the host computer provides the user data by executing ahost application. In a second step 1120, the host computer initiates atransmission carrying the user data to the UE. In an optional third step1130, the base station transmits to the UE the user data which wascarried in the transmission that the host computer initiated, inaccordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughoutthis disclosure. In an optional fourth step 1140, the UE executes aclient application associated with the host application executed by thehost computer.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in acommunication system, in accordance with one embodiment. Thecommunication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UEwhich may be those described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Forsimplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 12will be included in this section. In a first step 1210 of the method,the host computer provides user data. In an optional substep (not shown)the host computer provides the user data by executing a hostapplication. In a second step 1220, the host computer initiates atransmission carrying the user data to the UE. The transmission may passvia the base station, in accordance with the teachings of theembodiments described throughout this disclosure. In an optional thirdstep 1230, the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in acommunication system, in accordance with one embodiment. Thecommunication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UEwhich may be those described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Forsimplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 13will be included in this section. In an optional first step 1310 of themethod, the UE receives input data provided by the host computer.Additionally, or alternatively, in an optional second step 1320, the UEprovides user data. In an optional substep 1321 of the second step 1320,the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In afurther optional substep 1311 of the first step 1310, the UE executes aclient application which provides the user data in reaction to thereceived input data provided by the host computer. In providing the userdata, the executed client application may further consider user inputreceived from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which theuser data was provided, the UE initiates, in an optional third substep1330, transmission of the user data to the host computer. In a fourthstep 1340 of the method, the host computer receives the user datatransmitted from the UE, in accordance with the teachings of theembodiments described throughout this disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in acommunication system, in accordance with one embodiment. Thecommunication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UEwhich may be those described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Forsimplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 14will be included in this section. In an optional first step 1410 of themethod, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments describedthroughout this disclosure, the base station receives user data from theUE. In an optional second step 1420, the base station initiatestransmission of the received user data to the host computer. In a thirdstep 1430, the host computer receives the user data carried in thetransmission initiated by the base station.

As discussed in detail above, the techniques described herein, e.g., asillustrated in the process flow diagrams of FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 8, may beimplemented, in whole or in part, using computer program instructionsexecuted by one or more processors. It will be appreciated that afunctional implementation of these techniques may be represented interms of functional modules, where each functional module corresponds toa functional unit of software executing in an appropriate processor orto a functional digital hardware circuit, or some combination of both.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example functional module or circuit architecturefor a network node, such as network node 30. The functionalimplementation includes an obtaining module 1502 for obtaining a messageto be transmitted as a public warning system notification to multipleUEs, via one or more SIBs and obtaining area information correspondingto the message, the area information indicating an area for which themessage is relevant. The implementation includes a determining module1504 for determining how many SIBs are needed for transmitting the areainformation and a segmenting module 1506 for segmenting the message intoa plurality of segments, based on how many SIBs are needed fortransmitting the area information. The implementation includes atransmitting module 1508 for transmitting the message and the areainformation via SIBs, such that a segment of the message is included ineach SIB and such that each portion of the area information included ina SIB is accompanied by a segment of the message.

In another example functional implementation for the network node, theobtaining module 1502 is for obtaining a message to be transmitted as apublic warning system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more SIBsand for obtaining area information corresponding to the message, thearea information indicating an area for which the message is relevant.The transmitting module 1508 is for transmitting at least some of themessage via a first SIB and transmitting at least some of the areainformation via a second SIB, such that the second SIB contains linkinginformation indicating that the included area information corresponds tothe message sent via the first SIB.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example functional module or circuit architecturefor UE 50 that includes a receiving module 1602 for receiving aplurality of SIBs and an obtaining module 1604 for obtaining, from eachof the SIBs, a portion of area information indicating an area for whicha public warning system notification is relevant and obtaining, fromeach of these same SIBs, a single segment of a message. Theimplementation includes an assembling module 1606 for assembling areainformation from the portions of area information and assembling themessage from at least the corresponding segments of the message. Thedetermining module 1608 is for determining, based on the areainformation, that the message is relevant to the UE and the displayingmodule 1610 is for displaying the message, in response to thedetermining.

In another functional implementation for the UE, the receiving module1602 is for receiving at least a portion of a public warning systemnotification message via a first SIB and receiving at least a portion ofarea information via a second SIB. The determining module 1608 is fordetermining, based on linking information included in the second SIB,that the area information included in the second SIB corresponds to themessage received via the first SIB, and determining, based on the areainformation, that the message is relevant to the UE. The displayingmodule 1610 is for displaying the message, in response to thedetermining.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments can include, but are not limited to, the followingenumerated examples:

(i). A method, in at least one network node of a wireless communicationsystem serving a plurality of user equipments (UEs), the methodcomprising:

-   -   obtaining a message to be transmitted as a public warning system        notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system information        blocks;    -   obtaining area information corresponding to the message, the        area information indicating an area for which the message is        relevant;    -   determining how many system information blocks are needed for        transmitting the area information;    -   segmenting the message into a plurality of segments, based on        how many system information blocks are needed for transmitting        the area information; and    -   transmitting the message and the area information via system        information blocks, such that no more than one segment of the        message is included in any system information block and such        that each portion of the area information included in a system        information block is accompanied by a segment of the message.

(ii). The method of example embodiment (i), wherein segmenting themessage comprises dividing the message into at least N segments, where Nis the number of system information blocks needed for transmitting thearea information.

(iii). The method of example embodiment (ii), wherein segmenting themessage comprises dividing the message into exactly N segments.

(iv). The method of example embodiment (i), wherein segmenting themessage comprises:

-   -   determining that the message, without modification, cannot be        divided into enough segments so that each portion of the area        information included in a system information is accompanied by a        segment; and    -   extending the message, prior to said segmenting, so that the        extended message can be divided into enough segments so that        each portion of the area information included in a system        information is accompanied by a segment.

(v). The method of any of example embodiments (i-iv), wherein themessage is a container carrying notification information coded into thecontainer.

(vi). The method of example embodiment (v), wherein the container is anASN-1 container.

(vii). The method of any of example embodiments (i-vi), wherein thesystem information blocks are LTE SystemInformationBlockType11 blocks orLTE SystemInformationBlockType12 blocks.

(viii). A method, in at least one network node of a wirelesscommunication system serving a plurality of user equipments (UEs), themethod comprising:

-   -   obtaining a message to be transmitted as a public warning system        notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system information        blocks;    -   obtaining area information corresponding to the message, the        area information indicating an area for which the message is        relevant;    -   transmitting at least some of the message via a first system        information block; and    -   transmitting at least some of the area information via a second        system information block, such that the second system        information block contains linking information indicating that        the included area information corresponds to the message sent        via the first system information block.

(ix). The method of example embodiment (viii), wherein the linkinginformation comprises a message identifier or a serial number, or both,corresponding to an identical identifier or serial number, or both, inthe first system information block.

(x). The method of example embodiment (viii) or (ix), wherein the firstsystem information block is a SystemInformationBlockType12 and thesecond system information block is a different type.

(xi). The method of any of example embodiments (viii)-(x), whereintransmitting at least some of the area information via the second systeminformation block comprises including, in the second system informationblock, an indication of a type for the first system information block.

(xii). A method, in a user equipment (UE) served by a wirelesscommunication network, the method comprising:

-   -   receiving a plurality of system information blocks;    -   obtaining, from each of the system information blocks, a portion        of area information indicating an area for which a public        warning system notification is relevant;    -   obtaining, from each of these same system information blocks, a        single segment of a message;    -   assembling area information from the portions of area        information;    -   assembling the message from at least the corresponding segments        of the message;    -   determining, based on the area information, that the message is        relevant to the UE; and    -   displaying the message, in response to said determining.

(xiii). The method of example embodiment (xii), wherein assembling themessage comprises assembling the message from the portions of themessage included in the plurality of system information blocks and atleast one message portion included in an additional system informationblock.

-   -   (xi). The method of example embodiment (xii) or (xiii), wherein        the system information blocks are LTE        SystemInformationBlockType11 blocks or LTE        SystemInformationBlockType12 blocks.

(xv). A method, in a user equipment (UE) served by a wirelesscommunication network, the method comprising:

-   -   receiving at least a portion of a public warning system        notification message via a first system information block;    -   receiving at least a portion of area information via a second        system information block;    -   determining, based on linking information included in the second        system information block, that the area information included in        the second system information block corresponds to the message        received via the first system information block;    -   determining, based on the area information, that the message is        relevant to the UE; and    -   displaying the message, in response to said determining.

(xvi). The method of example embodiment (xv), wherein the linkinginformation comprises a message identifier or a serial number, or both,corresponding to an identical identifier or serial number, or both, inthe first system information block.

(xvii). The method of example embodiment (xv) or (xvi), wherein thefirst system information block is a SystemInformationBlockType12 and thesecond system information block is a different type.

(xviii). The method of any of example embodiments (xv)-(xvii), whereinthe linking information includes an indication of a type for the firstsystem information block.

(xix). A network node adapted to perform the methods of any of exampleembodiments (i)-(xi).

(xx). A network node comprising transceiver circuitry and processingcircuitry operatively associated with the transceiver circuitry andconfigured to perform the methods of any of example embodiments(i)-(xi).

(xxi). A user equipment adapted to perform the methods of any of exampleembodiments (xii)-(xviii).

(xxii). A user equipment comprising transceiver circuitry and processingcircuitry operatively associated with the transceiver circuitry andconfigured to perform the methods of any of example embodiments(xii)-(xviii).

(xxiii). A computer program comprising instructions that, when executedon at least one processing circuit, cause the at least one processingcircuit to carry out the method according to any one of exampleembodiments (i)-(xviii).

(xxiv). A carrier containing the computer program of example embodiment(xxiii), wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, opticalsignal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

(xxv). A communication system including a host computer comprising:

-   -   processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and    -   a communication interface configured to forward the user data to        a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),    -   wherein the cellular network comprises a base station configured        to:        -   obtain a message to be transmitted as a public warning            system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system            information blocks;        -   obtain area information corresponding to the message, the            area information indicating an area for which the message is            relevant;        -   determine how many system information blocks are needed for            transmitting the area information;        -   segment the message into a plurality of segments, based on            how many system information blocks are needed for            transmitting the area information; and        -   transmit the message and the area information via system            information blocks, such that no more than one segment of            the message is included in any system information block and            such that each portion of the area information included in a            system information block is accompanied by a segment of the            message.

(xxvi). A communication system including a host computer comprising:

-   -   processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and    -   a communication interface configured to forward the user data to        a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),    -   wherein the cellular network comprises a base station configured        to:        -   obtain a message to be transmitted as a public warning            system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system            information blocks;        -   obtain area information corresponding to the message, the            area information indicating an area for which the message is            relevant;        -   transmit at least some of the message via a first system            information block; and        -   transmit at least some of the area information via a second            system information block, such that the second system            information block contains linking information indicating            that the included area information corresponds to the            message sent via the first system information block.

(xxvii). The communication system of example embodiment (xxv) or (xxvi),further including the base station.

(xxviii). The communication system of example embodiment (xxvii),further including the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicatewith the base station.

(xxix). The communication system of example embodiment (xxviii),wherein:

-   -   the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to        execute a host application, thereby providing the user data; and    -   the UE comprises processing circuitry configured to execute a        client application associated with the host application.

(xxx). A method implemented in a communication system including a hostcomputer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   at the host computer, providing user data; and    -   at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the        user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base        station, the method comprising, at the base station:        -   obtaining a message to be transmitted as a public warning            system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system            information blocks;        -   obtaining area information corresponding to the message, the            area information indicating an area for which the message is            relevant;        -   determining how many system information blocks are needed            for transmitting the area information;        -   segmenting the message into a plurality of segments, based            on how many system information blocks are needed for            transmitting the area information; and        -   transmitting the message and the area information via system            information blocks, such that no more than one segment of            the message is included in any system information block and            such that each portion of the area information included in a            system information block is accompanied by a segment of the            message.

(xxxi). A method implemented in a communication system including a hostcomputer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   at the host computer, providing user data; and    -   at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the        user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base        station, the method comprising, at the base station:        -   obtaining a message to be transmitted as a public warning            system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system            information blocks;        -   obtaining area information corresponding to the message, the            area information indicating an area for which the message is            relevant;        -   transmitting at least some of the message via a first system            information block; and        -   transmitting at least some of the area information via a            second system information block, such that the second system            information block contains linking information indicating            that the included area        -   information corresponds to the message sent via the first            system information block.

(xxxii). The method of example embodiment (xxx) or (xxxi), furthercomprising: at the base station, transmitting the user data.

(xxxiii). The method of example embodiment (xxxii), wherein the userdata is provided at the host computer by executing a host application,the method further comprising:

-   -   at the UE, executing a client application associated with the        host application.

(xxxiv). A communication system including a host computer comprising:

-   -   processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and    -   a communication interface configured to forward user data to a        cellular network,    -   wherein the UE's processing circuitry configured to:        -   receive a plurality of system information blocks;        -   obtain, from each of the system information blocks, a            portion of area information indicating an area for which a            public warning system notification is relevant;        -   obtain, from each of these same system information blocks, a            single segment of a message;        -   assemble area information from the portions of area            information;        -   assemble the message from at least the corresponding            segments of the message;        -   determine, based on the area information, that the message            is relevant to the UE; and        -   display the message, in response to said determining.

(xxxv). A communication system including a host computer comprising:

-   -   processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and    -   a communication interface configured to forward user data to a        cellular network,    -   wherein the UE's processing circuitry configured to:        -   receive at least a portion of a public warning system            notification message via a first system information block;        -   receive at least a portion of area information via a second            system information block;        -   determine, based on linking information included in the            second system information block, that the area information            included in the second system information block corresponds            to the message received via the first system information            block;        -   determine, based on the area information, that the message            is relevant to the UE; and        -   display the message, in response to said determining.

(xxxvi). The communication system of example embodiment (xxxiv) or(xxxv), further including the UE.

(xxxvii). The communication system of example embodiment (xxxvi),wherein the cellular network further includes a base station configuredto communicate with the UE.

(xxxviii). The communication system of example embodiment (xxxvi) or(xxxvii), wherein:

-   -   the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to        execute a host application, thereby providing the user data; and    -   the UE's processing circuitry is configured to execute a client        application associated with the host application.

(xxxix). A method implemented in a communication system including a hostcomputer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   at the host computer, providing user data; and    -   at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the        user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base        station, the method comprising, at the UE:        -   receiving a plurality of system information blocks;        -   obtaining, from each of the system information blocks, a            portion of area information indicating an area for which a            public warning system notification is relevant;        -   obtaining, from each of these same system information            blocks, a single segment of a message;        -   assembling area information from the portions of area            information;        -   assembling the message from at least the corresponding            segments of the message;        -   determining, based on the area information, that the message            is relevant to the UE; and        -   displaying the message, in response to said determining.

(xl). A method implemented in a communication system including a hostcomputer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   at the host computer, providing user data; and    -   at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the        user data to the UE via a cellular network comprising the base        station, the method comprising, at the UE:        -   receiving at least a portion of a public warning system            notification message via a first system information block;        -   receiving at least a portion of area information via a            second system information block;        -   determining, based on linking information included in the            second system information block, that the area information            included in the second system information block corresponds            to the message received via the first system information            block;        -   determining, based on the area information, that the message            is relevant to the UE; and        -   displaying the message, in response to said determining.

(xli). The method of example embodiment (xxxix) or (xl), furthercomprising:

-   -   at the UE, receiving the user data from the base station.

(xlii). A communication system including a host computer comprising:

-   -   a communication interface configured to receive user data        originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a        base station, wherein the UE's processing circuitry is        configured to:        -   receive a plurality of system information blocks;        -   obtain, from each of the system information blocks, a            portion of area information indicating an area for which a            public warning system notification is relevant;        -   obtain, from each of these same system information blocks, a            single segment of a message;        -   assemble area information from the portions of area            information;        -   assemble the message from at least the corresponding            segments of the message;        -   determine, based on the area information, that the message            is relevant to the UE; and        -   display the message, in response to said determining.

(xliii). A communication system including a host computer comprising:

-   -   a communication interface configured to receive user data        originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a        base station, wherein the UE's processing circuitry is        configured to:        -   receive at least a portion of a public warning system            notification message via a first system information block;        -   receive at least a portion of area information via a second            system information block;        -   determine, based on linking information included in the            second system information block, that the area information            included in the second system information block corresponds            to the message received via the first system information            block;        -   determine, based on the area information, that the message            is relevant to the UE; and        -   display the message, in response to said determining.

(xliv). The communication system of example embodiment (xlii) or(xliii), further including the UE.

(xlv). The communication system of example embodiment (xliv), furtherincluding the base station, wherein the base station comprises a radiointerface configured to communicate with the UE and a communicationinterface configured to forward to the host computer the user datacarried by a transmission from the UE to the base station.

(xlvi). The communication system of example embodiment (xliv) or (xlv),wherein:

-   -   the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to        execute a host application; and    -   the UE's processing circuitry is configured to execute a client        application associated with the host application, thereby        providing the user data.

(xlvii). The communication system of example embodiment (xliv) or (xlv),wherein:

-   -   the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to        execute a host application, thereby providing request data; and    -   the UE's processing circuitry is configured to execute a client        application associated with the host application, thereby        providing the user data in response to the request data.

(xlviii). A method implemented in a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   receiving a plurality of system information blocks;    -   obtaining, from each of the system information blocks, a portion        of area information indicating an area for which a public        warning system notification is relevant;    -   obtaining, from each of these same system information blocks, a        single segment of a message;    -   assembling area information from the portions of area        information;    -   assembling the message from at least the corresponding segments        of the message;    -   determining, based on the area information, that the message is        relevant to the UE; and    -   displaying the message, in response to said determining.

(xlix). A method implemented in a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   receiving at least a portion of a public warning system        notification message via a first system information block;    -   receiving at least a portion of area information via a second        system information block;    -   determining, based on linking information included in the second        system information block, that the area information included in        the second system information block corresponds to the message        received via the first system information block;    -   determining, based on the area information, that the message is        relevant to the UE; and    -   displaying the message, in response to said determining.

(l). The method of example embodiment (xlviii) or (xlix), furthercomprising:

-   -   providing user data; and    -   forwarding the user data to a host computer via the transmission        to the base station.

(li). A method implemented in a communication system including a hostcomputer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   at the host computer, receiving user data transmitted to the        base station from the UE, the method at the UE comprising:        -   receiving a plurality of system information blocks;        -   obtaining, from each of the system information blocks, a            portion of area information indicating an area for which a            public warning system notification is relevant;        -   obtaining, from each of these same system information            blocks, a single segment of a message;        -   assembling area information from the portions of area            information;        -   assembling the message from at least the corresponding            segments of the message;        -   determining, based on the area information, that the message            is relevant to the UE; and        -   displaying the message, in response to said determining.

(lii). A method implemented in a communication system including a hostcomputer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   at the host computer, receiving user data transmitted to the        base station from the UE, the method at the UE comprising:        -   receiving at least a portion of a public warning system            notification message via a first system information block;        -   receiving at least a portion of area information via a            second system information block;        -   determining, based on linking information included in the            second system information block, that the area information            included in the second system information block corresponds            to the message received via the first system information            block;        -   determining, based on the area information, that the message            is relevant to the UE; and        -   displaying the message, in response to said determining.

(liii). The method of example embodiment (1 i) or (lii), furthercomprising:

-   -   at the UE, providing the user data to the base station.

(liv). The method of example embodiment (liii), further comprising:

-   -   at the UE, executing a client application, thereby providing the        user data to be transmitted; and    -   at the host computer, executing a host application associated        with the client application.

(lv). The method of example embodiment (liii), further comprising:

-   -   at the UE, executing a client application; and    -   at the UE, receiving input data to the client application, the        input data being provided at the host computer by executing a        host application associated with the client application,    -   wherein the user data to be transmitted is provided by the        client application in response to the input data.

(lvi). A communication system including a host computer comprising acommunication interface configured to receive user data originating froma transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, the basestation's processing circuitry configured to:

-   -   obtain a message to be transmitted as a public warning system        notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system information        blocks;    -   obtain area information corresponding to the message, the area        information indicating an area for which the message is        relevant;    -   determine how many system information blocks are needed for        transmitting the area information;    -   segment the message into a plurality of segments, based on how        many system information blocks are needed for transmitting the        area information; and    -   transmit the message and the area information via system        information blocks, such that no more than one segment of the        message is included in any system information block and such        that each portion of the area information included in a system        information block is accompanied by a segment of the message.

(lvii). A communication system including a host computer comprising acommunication interface configured to receive user data originating froma transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, the basestation's processing circuitry configured to:

-   -   obtain a message to be transmitted as a public warning system        notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system information        blocks;    -   obtain area information corresponding to the message, the area        information indicating an area for which the message is        relevant;    -   transmit at least some of the message via a first system        information block; and    -   transmit at least some of the area information via a second        system information block, such that the second system        information block contains linking information indicating that        the included area information corresponds to the message sent        via the first system information block.

(lviii). The communication system of example embodiment (lvi) or (lvii),further including the base station.

(lix). The communication system of example embodiment (lviii), furtherincluding the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with thebase station.

(lx). The communication system of example embodiment (lix), wherein:

-   -   the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to        execute a host application;    -   the UE is configured to execute a client application associated        with the host application, thereby providing the user data to be        received by the host computer.

(lxi). A method implemented in a communication system including a hostcomputer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   at the host computer, receiving, from the base station, user        data originating from a transmission which the base station has        received from the UE, the method at the base station comprising:        -   receiving a first one of the CQI index values;        -   obtaining a message to be transmitted as a public warning            system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system            information blocks;        -   obtaining area information corresponding to the message, the            area information indicating an area for which the message is            relevant;        -   determining how many system information blocks are needed            for transmitting the area information;        -   segmenting the message into a plurality of segments, based            on how many system information blocks are needed for            transmitting the area information; and        -   transmitting the message and the area information via system            information blocks, such that no more than one segment of            the message is included in any system information block and            such that each portion of the area information included in a            system information block is accompanied by a segment of the            message.

(lxii). A method implemented in a communication system including a hostcomputer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the methodcomprising:

-   -   at the host computer, receiving, from the base station, user        data originating from a transmission which the base station has        received from the UE, the method at the base station comprising:        -   obtaining a message to be transmitted as a public warning            system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system            information blocks;        -   obtaining area information corresponding to the message, the            area information indicating an area for which the message is            relevant;        -   transmitting at least some of the message via a first system            information block; and        -   transmitting at least some of the area information via a            second system information block, such that the second system            information block contains linking information indicating            that the included area information corresponds to the            message sent via the first system information block.

(lxiii). The method of example embodiment (lxi) or (lxii), furthercomprising:

-   -   at the base station, receiving the user data from the UE.

(lxiv). The method of example embodiment (lxiii), further comprising:

-   -   at the base station, initiating a transmission of the received        user data to the host computer.

Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments withoutsubstantially departing from the principles of the present inventiveconcepts. All such variations and modifications are intended to beincluded herein within the scope of present inventive concepts.Accordingly, the above disclosed subject matter is to be consideredillustrative, and not restrictive, and the examples of embodiments areintended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and otherembodiments, which fall within the spirit and scope of present inventiveconcepts. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope ofpresent inventive concepts is to be determined by the broadestpermissible interpretation of the present disclosure including theexamples of embodiments and their equivalents, and shall not berestricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

1-30. (canceled)
 31. A method, in at least one network node of awireless communication system serving a plurality of user equipments(UEs), the method comprising: obtaining a message to be transmitted as apublic warning system notification to multiple UEs, via one or moresystem information blocks; obtaining area information corresponding tothe message, the area information indicating an area for which themessage is relevant; determining how many system information blocks areneeded for transmitting the area information; segmenting the messageinto a plurality of segments, based on how many system informationblocks are needed for transmitting the area information; andtransmitting the message and the area information via system informationblocks, such that no more than one segment of the message is included inany of the transmitted system information blocks and such that eachportion of the area information included in a transmitted systeminformation block is accompanied by a segment of the message.
 32. Themethod of claim 31, wherein segmenting the message comprises dividingthe message into at least N segments, where N is the number of systeminformation blocks needed for transmitting the area information.
 33. Themethod of claim 32, wherein segmenting the message comprises dividingthe message into exactly N segments.
 34. The method of claim 31, whereinsegmenting the message comprises: determining that the message, withoutmodification, cannot be divided into enough segments so that eachportion of the area information included in a system information blockis accompanied by a segment; and extending the message, prior to saidsegmenting, so that the extended message can be divided into enoughsegments so that each portion of the area information included in asystem information block is accompanied by a segment.
 35. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the message is a container carrying notificationinformation coded into the container.
 36. The method of claim 35,wherein the container is an ASN-1 container.
 37. The method of claim 31,wherein the system information blocks are LTESystemInformationBlockType11 blocks or LTE SystemInformationBlockType12blocks.
 38. A method, in at least one network node of a wirelesscommunication system serving a plurality of user equipments (UEs), themethod comprising: obtaining a message to be transmitted as a publicwarning system notification to multiple UEs, via one or more systeminformation blocks; obtaining area information corresponding to themessage, the area information indicating an area for which the messageis relevant; transmitting at least some of the message via a firstsystem information block; and transmitting at least some of the areainformation via a second system information block, such that the secondsystem information block contains linking information indicating thatthe included area information corresponds to the message sent via thefirst system information block.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein thelinking information comprises a message identifier or a serial number,or both, corresponding to an identical identifier or serial number, orboth, in the first system information block.
 40. The method of claim 38,wherein the first system information block is aSystemInformationBlockType12 and the second system information block isa different type.
 41. The method of claim 38, wherein transmitting atleast some of the area information via the second system informationblock comprises including, in the second system information block, anindication of a type for the first system information block.
 42. Amethod, in a user equipment (UE) served by a wireless communicationnetwork, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of systeminformation blocks; obtaining, from each of the system informationblocks, a portion of area information indicating an area for which apublic warning system notification is relevant; obtaining, from each ofthese same system information blocks, a segment of a message; assemblingarea information from the portions of area information; assembling themessage from at least the corresponding segments of the message;determining, based on the area information, that the message is relevantto the UE; and displaying the message, in response to said determining.43. The method of claim 42, wherein assembling the message comprisesassembling the message from the portions of the message included in theplurality of system information blocks and at least one message portionincluded in an additional system information block.
 44. The method ofclaim 42, wherein the system information blocks are LTESystemInformationBlockType11 blocks or LTE SystemInformationBlockType12blocks.
 45. A method, in a user equipment (UE) served by a wirelesscommunication network, the method comprising: receiving at least aportion of a public warning system notification message via a firstsystem information block; receiving at least a portion of areainformation via a second system information block; determining, based onlinking information included in the second system information block,that the area information included in the second system informationblock corresponds to the message received via the first systeminformation block; determining, based on the area information, that themessage is relevant to the UE; and displaying the message, in responseto said determining.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the linkinginformation comprises a message identifier or a serial number, or both,corresponding to an identical identifier or serial number, or both, inthe first system information block.
 47. The method of claim 45, whereinthe first system information block is a SystemInformationBlockType12 andthe second system information block is a different type.
 48. The methodof claim 45, wherein the linking information includes an indication of atype for the first system information block.
 49. A network node,comprising: communication interface circuitry, and processing circuitryoperatively associated with the communication interface circuitry andconfigured to: obtain a message to be transmitted as a public warningsystem notification to multiple UEs, via one or more system informationblocks; obtain area information corresponding to the message, the areainformation indicating an area for which the message is relevant;determine how many system information blocks are needed for transmittingthe area information; segment the message into a plurality of segments,based on how many system information blocks are needed for transmittingthe area information; and use the communication interface circuit totransmit the message and the area information via system informationblocks, such that no more than one segment of the message is included inany of the transmitted system information blocks and such that eachportion of the area information included in a transmitted systeminformation block is accompanied by a segment of the message.
 50. Thenetwork node of claim 49, wherein the processing circuitry is configuredto: determine that the message, without modification, cannot be dividedinto enough segments so that each portion of the area informationincluded in a system information block is accompanied by a segment; andextend the message, prior to said segmenting, so that the extendedmessage can be divided into enough segments so that each portion of thearea information included in a system information block is accompaniedby a segment.
 51. A user equipment comprising: transceiver circuitry;and processing circuitry operatively associated with the transceivercircuitry and configured to: receive a plurality of system informationblocks, using the transceiver circuitry; obtain, from each of the systeminformation blocks, a portion of area information indicating an area forwhich a public warning system notification is relevant; obtain, fromeach of these same system information blocks, a single segment of amessage; assemble area information from the portions of areainformation; assemble the message from at least the correspondingsegments of the message; determine, based on the area information, thatthe message is relevant to the UE; and display the message, in responseto said determining.
 52. The UE of claim 51, wherein the linkinginformation comprises a message identifier or a serial number, or both,corresponding to an identical identifier or serial number, or both, inthe first system information block.
 53. The UE of claim 51, wherein thefirst system information block is a SystemInformationBlockType12 and thesecond system information block is a different type.
 54. The UE of claim51, wherein the linking information includes an indication of a type forthe first system information block.